The draw for the AFC Asian Qualifiers Round 3 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with Qatar hoping to make history by securing a spot in the tournament. The draw will determine the three groups of six teams each, with the top two from each group directly qualifying for the World Cup Finals. The remaining two berths will be decided through the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 Playoff. Qatar, coached by Marquez Lopez and ranked 35th in the world, are optimistic about their chances after a successful run in the second qualifying round.
Qatar’s team, also known as Al Annabi, have had a remarkable year with a string of outstanding performances, including winning their second straight Asian Cup crown. The team finished on top of their group in the second qualifying round for the World Cup, remaining unbeaten throughout. Lopez has been experimenting with different players, testing out youngsters in recent matches against Afghanistan and India while resting key players like Akram Afif and Almoez Ali. This has given the coach a better understanding of his bench strength as they prepare for the upcoming qualifiers.
The 18 teams vying for a spot in the World Cup have been seeded into six pots based on the latest FIFA rankings. Japan, Islamic Republic of Iran, and Korea Republic are in Pot 1, while Pot 2 includes teams like Australia, Qatar, and Iraq. Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Jordan are in Pot 3, and so on. Qatar’s strong performance in recent matches has solidified their position as a competitive team, and they will be looking to continue their success in the upcoming qualifiers.
The AFC Asian Qualifiers Round 3 will be played from September 2024 to June 2025, with the goal of securing one of the six spots available for Asian teams in the World Cup Finals. The stage is set for an exciting journey as teams compete for a chance to make their mark on the global stage. Qatar, with its talented players and determined coach, are eager to showcase their skills and make history by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time. As fans eagerly await the draw results, the anticipation for the upcoming qualifiers continues to build.
As the countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 begins, teams from across Asia are gearing up for the challenge that lies ahead. With the draw for the AFC Asian Qualifiers Round 3 set to take place soon, the road to the World Cup Finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States is becoming clearer. Qatar, with its impressive track record and talented squad, are ready to make their mark on the international stage and secure a spot in the tournament. The team’s recent successes and strong performances have boosted their confidence and set the stage for an exciting journey ahead.
The draw in Kuala Lumpur will determine the fate of the 18 teams that have advanced from the Asian Qualifiers Round 2. With the top two teams from each group directly qualifying for the World Cup Finals, the stakes are high as teams compete for a chance to make history. Qatar’s solid performance in recent matches, coupled with their talented roster and experienced coach, position them as strong contenders in the upcoming qualifiers. As the team prepares for the challenges ahead, fans are eager to see Qatar’s journey unfold and witness their quest for a spot in the prestigious FIFA World Cup 2026.
